The Progression towards Spiritual Maturity

In order to promote Spiritual Maturity, God calls leaders to serve the body ()

Explanation: In the context, the He refers to Christ. It is important for us to remember that the Church belongs to Jesus, and He is the One who determines how it is to be led. For proper functioning, Jesus gives leaders to His church.

The Apostles were those who had personally known Christ, thus their office was not repeated. The prophets were those who engaged in the teaching ministry of the church when the oral proclamation was all that the church had. The Evangelists were those who planted churches through a Gospel ministry, and the Pastor-teacher is the current office for elder leadership in the body of Christ.

The Pastor-teacher has a clearly defined role in the body life of the local church. He is called of God to equip the saints. The pastor is not called to do the ministry himself; rather he is to prepare the church members so they can perform the ministry.

Illustrate: a pastor of a small church who paints the walls, cleans the bathrooms, mows the church yard, maintains the vehicles, counts the offering, and, in his spare time prepares sermons and provides pastoral care.

Argument: This is not a matter of being elitist or thinking that physical work is below a pastor. It is simply being obedient to the clear mandate given in Scripture that honors the calling of God. In , the Apostles state that it would be wrong for them to leave their first priority, that of prayer and the Word.

Application: While God gives pastors to the church, he gives the responsibility of oversight to the congregation. It is up to the congregation to ensure the Pastor is fulfilling his ministry. Delegation is necessary and right, and church members who help in guarding time in the Word and in prayer are appreciated.

As members are equipped, they will personally engage in ministry ()

Explanation: God’s continued use of the body of Christ is still Plan A. Although He could use direct, supernatural, miraculous intervention any time He desires, He has chosen to work through the lives of believers, both corporately and individually. To move forward on the path to spiritual maturity, it is vital for each and every Christ-follower to understand that salvation is the beginning, not the finish line. Every member a minister is not to be a mantra, but an actual reality.

Illustrate: Consider a personal trainer in the area of body building. The Trainer instructs in how the equipment is to be used for maximum effectiveness, develops a training regiment, and then provides support and encouragement. But if the trainee doesn’t use the machines, doesn’t engage in walking or biking regiment, and refuses to eat healthy, all is for naught.

Argument: In His grace, God has supplied every Christian with at least one spiritual gift. (; ,). These gifts of the Holy Spirit are not given for individual achievement or glory, but for the express purpose that the Church may accomplish God’s specific plan for it.

Application: As scary as it may sound, be willing to embrace the understanding that you as a believer are called of God to be His minister. It is not up to the professional clergy. You can experience the blessing of ministry first-hand. Don’t miss out on what God has for you!

When the church follows this pattern, the results will include:

1) A deeper understanding of the faith ()

Explanation: When the body is healthy and following God’s design for ministry results will be manifested. One such display will be a deeper understanding of the faith on the part of the individual

Illustrate: Me and another guy at Rob Kanter’s one morning. We each had small children. Watching with longing and envy as Kaleb poured his own bowl of cereal and then added milk. Rob noticed and said, “Give it time boys, it will come”

Argument: Meal-time with infants, then toddlers, then young children. Parents spoon feed infants, then we cut up their food when they are toddlers, and then they start handling the silverware for themselves.

We actually expect to see this progression in our children, but we aren’t so expectant in the church. Too many Christ-followers are content to remain at the spoon feeding stage, and never develop the taste for meat. ()

Application: Engage in personal Bible study with intentionality. It does not just happen. Determine to be in the Word daily (We eat every day, not once a week!)

Determine to be in the Word daily (We eat every day, not once a week!)

Discuss the sermon and reflect on application questions. Take time to reflect and ask how the message applies to you, to your family, your small group.

2) An increased doctrinal stability ()

Explanation: Another marker of spiritual maturity will be doctrinal stability. So many false teachers are proclaiming their distortions of the truth, and sadly, many of the faithful are being misled. The text addresses the situation of children being the ones who are tossed about. Believers are not to remain children in the area of spiritual discernment.

Illustrate: Let a 2 yr old choose between a bright shiny new fifty cent piece and a worn out crumpled $20. The 2 year old will choose the shiny coin.

Illustrate:

Argument: When believers familiarize themselves with the text, and when they come to apply the truths contained in it, they will become more effective in spotting error. [The US Treasury’s method to spot counterfeits is to make sure the agents are intimately familiar with the genuine article. ()

Application: Determine to understand why you believe a particular thing. Just saying that’s what my parents believed doesn’t cut it. That just makes for legalism and tradition over truth. Take the time to prayerfully explore the text (Acts 17:11)

3) A willingness of members to become accountable to one another ()

Explanation: For the body to become what God intended, believers must understand that we are accountable one to another. Even as saints, those who have been redeemed, we still struggle with the old nature. As we worship and serve, and do life together, friction will occur. To avoid any issues is not possible; the important thing is how the issues are handled. We are told to speak the truth in love. Both are necessary.

Argument: In the body of Christ there is the idea that one day each of us will give an account to the LORD at the bema. We may not be excited about that prospect (but we should if we are living for Him!), but we understand that we will - there won’t be a choice. We take issue with being accountable to one another while we are here. There exists a mindset that what I do as an individual Christian is nobody else’s business, and if you call me on it, then watch out! How unbiblical!

We need each other, and we are called to encourage one another. And sometimes, we are called to compassionate confrontation. Never to run down or belittle, but to loving correct so that “each part is working properly” that the body may grow

Application: Are you willing to be accountable to the other members of the body? Are you approachable, or are you defensive? Does it have to be your way? Do you know someone who needs to be gently corrected, but you are unwilling to go to them, even when you sense God’s leading?

Do you know someone who needs to be gently corrected, but you are unwilling to go to them, even when you sense God’s leading?